Product category:
Control systems, DROs, etc, for machine tools
News Release from: Halifax Numerical Controls (HNC) | Subject: CNC and drives package - HMCs
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 06 March 2007
CNC and drives package upgrades HMCs
When more output was required from 20 year old FMT horizontal machining centres, a tailored CNC drives and control packaged was tailored to increase production and reduce lead-times.
The eight FMT 2500 horizontal machining centres installed at Cummins Engines of Daventry some 20 years ago have consistently achieved the rigorous productivity schedules asked of them operating continuously 24h/day with exceptional reliability When more output was required from the machines, Adam Dawson, Cummins maintenance manager was tasked with enhancing their performance
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 28 Feb 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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In turn Cummins turned to Siemens Automation and Drives for assistance and Chris Dowson, product specialist, was able to offer a tailored package including the latest Siemens CNC controller, drives and software.
The package would increase production and reduce lead-times and, to ensure Cummins continued to achieve the production levels required for years to come, the decision was taken to have the machines rebuilt mechanically.
This not insignificant investment would assist Cummins in being more competitive on the world stage.
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The next task for Dowson was to locate a company that was knowledgeable of Siemens equipment and was capable of carrying out a high quality, cost effective mechanical rebuild.
Following thorough enquiries, Halifax Numerical Controls (HNC) were recommended by several companies as being the right company for the job.
Dowson approached Mike Diskin, HNC's managing director, and was encouraged by the refreshing attitude and capabilities offered by the Halifax, UK-based specialist machine tool refurbishment company.
HNC was formed seven years ago by Diskin and co-director Tim Price, when machine tool builder Asquith Butler, discontinued manufacturing in the town.
Initially HNC offered a support service for their former company's products, which grew into retrofitting CNC controls and full machine tool rebuilding; employing many of their former colleagues in design, development and software writing along with specialist shop floor skills.
Dawson and Diskin were able to demonstrate to Siemens and Cummins the quality of their rebuilds and service and the order for the first machine was placed in March 2005.
The rebuild of the first machine was completed on time and passed the tough Cummins acceptance tests with few problems.
Since then, HNC have rebuilt three of the FMT machines and managed to squeeze in a DeVlieg model 5K Jigmil rebuild for Cummins as well.
Dowson and colleagues at Cummins speak highly of HNC with their 'no nonsense' approach to business.
Nothing appears too much trouble to them.
Dawson added, "Above all the quality and reliability of the finished product is paramount and that is what we get from HNC.".
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